Thank you from the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs

Message from Secretary George Owings: As the year ends, we here at the MDVA would like to thank all who have supported veterans in Maryland; everyone who has volunteered to help at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home and with the Cemetery & Memorials Program; and the many who have donated to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund and to the residents at Charlotte Hall. Your kindness, your willingness to help and your generosity are appreciated. The MDVA Mission will continue in 2021 - to assist Maryland Veterans and their families.  If we may be of help to you as you file a claim for compensation or pension or have a question about benefits, please contact the MDVA Service & Benefits Program staff. The Outreach & Advocacy Program staff stand ready to provide benefits briefings and to keep you informed through social media and this newsletter. In closing, I would like to personally thank the women and men who work at the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.  MDVA is a small agency, with a dedicated staff who work tirelessly to assist those who contact us for help.  This year, knowing that so many in Maryland have been touched by job loss and illness, the MDVA staff strongly supported the Maryland Charity Campaign, surpassing our target fundraising goal by more than 40%.  I am proud to lead this team of caring and generous individuals who supported charities throughout Maryland.

MDVA Website

A group of active duty service members and their families from Fort George G. Meade  volunteered to clean up the grounds at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in South Baltimore.  MDVA Cemetery & Memorials Program

Some updates to the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery

The plaque honoring long time MDVA employee, Paul Faulkner has been installed.

A new kiosk enclosure has been constructed to block glare on the grave locator kiosk screen on bright, sunny days.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Announces First Day Hikes

Maryland State Parks will be offering self-guided hike opportunities across the state from January 1-3, 2021. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities on the first day of the new year! Join us in Maryland on January 1st or throughout the first weekend of the new year for a self-guided hike at a state park near you. Read More Here

More News from Maryland DNR:

Think Spring - Trees Available for Spring Planting

Place your order for trees and shrubs today.  The state tree nursery's online seedling catalog is now open and accepting orders for spring planting at nursery.dnr.maryland.gov.       

Trees benefit the environment and enhance natural habitat for wildlife. Almost all trees and shrubs available for sale are native, and many are also pollinator-friendly.

State of Maryland Financial Resources

The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state’s primary social service provider. Our mission is to aggressively pursue opportunities to assist people in economic need,
provide prevention services, and protect vulnerable children and adults.

Read More Here

The Federal Trade Commission Warns of Consumer Fraud

Federal News

Congressman David Trone Announces Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program opportunity in his offices: Read More Here

VA Offers Sign-Up to Stay Informed about COVID-19 Vaccine

VA Releases COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Plan

When we REACH, we will prevent suicide.

VA Can Help with those Holiday Blues

VA to Resume Debt Notification in January 2021

During Season of Giving, Red Cross Urges Blood Donation

VA: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

New to the VA?  Welcome Kit

Center for Women Veterans Seeks Nominees for 2021 Women Veteran Trailblazers

Searching for Military Records, Military Benefits Info article

VA Info: How to Apply for a Discharge Upgrade

Wreaths Across America in National Cemeteries with COVID-19 Restrictions

Five Resources to Help Veterans Recharge this Holiday Season

Five Tips for Winter Exercise

Live Whole Health #48: Give Yourself a Break with Acupressure

Live Whole Health #49: Get Moving From Your Chair

Fresh Focus #13: Taste of the Holidays: Meal Planning with Diabetes

Ft. Meade News has gone digital: Digital Meade

For Your Information

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs does not endorse the organizations sponsoring these events, and we do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer.  The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect those of MDVA.  The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only, and serves solely as a MDVA community outreach effort.

Community News

Voices of Vets:  Holiday Concert

Hero Dogs will be holding the next Information Session on Saturday, January 23, 2021.  Read More Here

Upcoming Events from the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals:

Virtual Comedy Writing Workshops with Community Building Art Works

Date: Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Time: 12:00-1:00pm

Registration Required: https://bit.ly/CBAWComedy 

Virtual Employment Workshop by Veteran Staffing Network

Topic: How to Stay Motivated in the Job Search

Date: Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Time: 12:00-1:00pm

Registration Required: http://bit.ly/VSNNewYear

Art Journaling in Quarantine with CREATE Arts Center

Date: Saturday, January 9, 2021

Time: 10:00pm-11:15am

Registration Required: https://bit.ly/371jxKc

Virtual Creative Writing Workshops with Community Building Art Works

Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Time: 12:00-1:00pm

Registration Required: https://bit.ly/CBAWCreative

Problem Solving Workshops (6 Sessions)

Date: Fridays, January 8,15, 22, 29; February 5,12, 2021

Time: 12:00-1:00pm

More Information: Contact the Cohen Clinic at 240-847-7500 or info.mfc@eseal.org

Community Calendar

January 23, 2021

Introduction to Hero Dogs

Message for New Subscribers:

Is this your first edition of the MDVA newsletter?  If so, welcome!  You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up to receive it from our website or you gave permission to an MDVA program, the MD Motor Vehicle Administration or MD Department of Labor to receive information on VA benefits and resources.  We at MDVA respect your privacy and DO NOT share email addresses.  We hope you enjoy receiving our bi-weekly newsletter and find it both educational and engaging.  If you have questions about our Department, our Programs, or your VA benefits, please visit veterans.maryland.gov or call 410-260-3838.

Community Photos:

A ZOOM Holiday Memorial Service was hosted by Women Veterans United Committee, Inc. (WVUCI); VFW DC Post 341, and DAV DC Chapter #1.  Picture 1 is the Memorial to remember those who passed in 2020, civilian and/or military.  We received 76 names to honor and we lit a candle for them.

Picture 2: Brenda Jamison, WVUCI; Tiffany Daniel, VFW & WVUCI; Georgia Eaves, VFW; Dr. Fisher, WVUCI, and Commander Rich, VFW DC Post 341